Archive: October 13, 2022

Get Your free ‘Derp On Board’ window Sticker

Is your dog DERPY?

If your dog’s anything like mine, sometimes you look at him and go, “Wow, that is one derpy lookin’ dog!”

To celebrate the “DERPY” (or silly, awkward, goofy) dogs we know and love, we’ve partnered up with Mighty Paw to make 2,500 “Derp On Board” window stickers. and we want to send you one for FREE.

The stickers are 5″ by 5″ vinyl and can be placed on your car, window or anywhere else. (They peel off easily.)

To get your free sticker, just fill out your address with the form below, and we’ll drop one in the mail for you. We’ll also send you an exclusive offer from Mighty Paw.

[yikes-mailchimp form=”5″]

(If you have trouble with the link, you can also just email me at Lindsay@ThatMutt.com.)

Would you like one of these free Derp On Board stickers?

Just use the form above to fill out your address or click here.

10 reasons to buy an electric fence

I can’t say enough good things about the electric fence or invisible fence for dogs.

An electric fence is simply an underground wire that circles the area where your dog is allowed. The dogs wear dog shock collars that beep once they are a few feet from the boundaries. The beep reminds the dogs to turn around and stay within the boundaries, or they will receive a vibration from the collar. While the dog learns where the boundaries are, you can mark the area with small flags.

Even though I recommend electric fences, there are some negative sides to think about, so check back soon for those.

10 reasons why electronic fences are terrific for dogs

1. All dogs can learn to use an electric fence.Nearly all dogs can learn to use an electric fence. It doesn’t matter what size or breed your dog is. The only dogs I wouldn’t train to use an electric fence are deaf dogs, blind dogs, extremely fearful dogs or puppies. just wait until your puppy is at least six months old before training him to use an electric fence.

2. training a dog to use an electric fence is easy. My mutt learned to use the electric fence and be trusted loose in my parents’ yard after one day. Ace has never ran through the boundaries, and he got two vibrations the first day. That’s all it took. We go to my parents’ house for a day every month or so, and he remembers how to use it every time with no reminders. It’s best to train your dog slowly, step by step. even then, most dogs will learn within a few days or a week. Without an electric fence, it would’ve taken me months or years to train my dog to stay in a yard unsupervised.

3. An electric fence gives your dog a lot more freedom and exercise.With an electric fence, Ace is free to run in the yard without being tied. It allows him to get more exercise, and I don’t have to be watching him constantly.

4. A dog can’t jump over or dig under an electronic fence.A physical fence is a problem for many dog owners. My golden retriever knew how to climb fences and slip under them. Plus, there was always the possibility that the gate could come open. There’s always a chance the dog will get out of a fenced yard. None of these are issues with an electric fence.

5. You do not have to worry about your dog running away.I know Ace will not cross the boundaries of the electric fence for anything. I would bet on it. My mutt is obsessed with a tennis ball, and he will not even cross the line for a ball. It’s really rare for any dog to cross his electric fence boundaries once he has learned where they are.

6. You can change the settings to increase or decrease the vibrations. A yorkie is going to need less of a vibration than a Saint Bernard. You are able to control the settings and adjust them to what’s best for your dog.

7. You don’t have to have a physical fence.If you don’t like the look of a fence in your yard, then the electric fence is perfect for you because nothing is visible. An electric fence works well in a large yard of a few acres or more. An actual fence is a hassle, unattractive, expensive and can block your view.

8. You can adjust the electric fence to fit any shape. You can use an electric fence to fit any shape or size, as long as the two ends meet to create an enclosure. For example, my parents had a wooden-fenced backyard, but their electric fence went around the backyard and into the front yard. This gave us the option of allowing our dogs in the front yard without putting a fence in that area.

9. An electric fence is a good way to keep dogs out of gardens.You can get pretty creative with the electric fence. put the boundaries a few feet back from your flower garden and your dog will have to stay out of your flowers. You can also use it to block other areas of your yard such as a pond, beach, driveway or volleyball court.

10. An electric fence costs less than a real fence.It depends on the company you go with, but an electric fence will probably cost less than any other fence. For a few hundred dollars, you will receive the wire, collars, installation and some basic instruction. Some companies give you the option of installing the electric fence yourself.

Do you use an electric fence? What do you like about it?

How to show Your pet dog to wear a Halloween costume

Does your pet dog freeze, shut down or totally lose it over wearing, God forbid, a joyful Halloween bandanna? In this post, we’ll discuss exactly how to show your pet dog to wear a Halloween costume or other clothes.

Maybe you’re lucky sufficient to have a pet dog who might care less if you plop him into, say, one of those huge spider costumes?

Most dogs are somewhere in the middle, of course, so I believed I’d share a few ideas for exactly how to show your pet dog to wear a Halloween costume (or your food-motivated cat). This is presuming you are one of those people who take pleasure in humiliating their pets.

My designs today are Ace the rufferee as well as Beamer the bee.

The treats I utilized in these pictures were called Pup-Peronis as well as Milk-Bones. however if you truly want to inspire bribe your pets, today I normally utilize a high-valued treat called Zuke’s minis. Cheese or pieces of genuine meat would likewise work!

For a lot more tips, see our publish on Halloween security as well as pets.

5 ideas to show your pet dog to wear a Halloween costume

If you are a clicker trainer, a clicker works excellent for assisting a pup make positive associations with a costume, pet dog sweater or even a harness. This marks the precise moment your pet dog does the ideal behavior, complied with by a treat. A clicker is definitely not needed however may assist speed up the process.

Remember, dogs as well as cats normally feel uneasy using clothes. They already have fur coats as well as using something over them can make them feel vulnerable.

My own pet dog trembles (as though frightened) when I put his wintertime vest on him. He doesn’t act this way, however, while using a Halloween costume since I’ve made positive associations with the costume. Go figure.

1. let the pet dog sniff the Halloween costume without using it.

If the costume is brand new, your pet dog will most likely be curious. Praise him for approaching or sniffing the costume, as well as provide him a treat.

The “rufferee” costume was brand new, so Ace was thinking about it. I rewarded him with treats just for inspecting it out. The Zuke’s minis are best for this type of training. They have a strong jerky scent as well as are soft as well as breakable. I likewise utilize them for bribing my pet dog to cooperate during a bath or nail trim.

If your pet dog normally freaks out over using a coat, sweatshirt or costume, repeat the above step a number of times over a number of days.

2. set the costume over your pet dog as well as reward.

Don’t put the costume completely on your dog. just carefully drape it over his back. If he accepts this, tell him what a great kid he is as well as provide a treat!

Repeat a number of times. Make this FUN and GOOFY so your pet dog is secretly making fun of you.

3. put the primary part of the costume on your dog.

Give a treat each time you put a paw through an arm hole as well as when you pull the costume completely over your dog’s body.

Then, provide even a lot more treats when the costume is completely on. What a great boy!

Take the costume off your pet dog ideal away, as well as if he is not stressed out, repeat.

4. Repeat the above step, keeping the costume on longer.

Try for 30 seconds, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, up until it’s no huge deal.

But come on, what pet dog wishes to wear a costume all the time or for a lot more than an hour, really?

You may try heading out for a walk with the costume on or playing with a toy. Do something fun to get your pet dog to fail to remember about using the costume.

5. show your pet dog to wear other pieces of the Halloween costume.

If the costume has a head piece or boots or anything else like that, repeat the above steps with each piece of the costume.

Most dogs don’t like having something over their head or on their feet, for evident reasons, however if you introduce the pieces slowly your pet dog may discover to tolerate it for a day just to humor you.

Such a great sport!

Again, some dogs truly might care less about costumes while others will not have it!

The crucial is to slowly introduce your pet to his costume a few days or weeks before you plan to “force” him to wear it.

Is putting clothes on a pet dog cruel?

No, it’s not cruel to put clothes or a costume on a pet. It may be a bit absurd sometimes, as well as it’s absolutely a method we “humanize” animals. We requirement to be conscious of what we’re doing, as well as that it may make them a bit uncomfortable.

If your pet dog is particularly stressed out from a specific sweatshirt or costume, or if she’s going to rip it up as well as try to eat it, then it’s not worth dressing her up.

Do dogs like using costumes?

I would state a lot of dogs as well as cats do not like using costumes or clothes. however a great deal depends upon the private pet dog or cat. Some don’t truly care either way. Some just put up with it since they like us. Others may really take pleasure in feeling warmer in a sweatshirt or vest! Others partner fun as well as treats with the clothes. as well as others really, truly dislike using anything. everything depends!

Does your pet dog like using a costume?

Let us understand in the comments!

*This publish consists of affiliate links.

Related posts:

Dog treats made with pumpkin! (Puppy Leaks blog)

5 question Friday: Puppy in training

five questions with a service dog puppy raiser

Hi everybody, “5 question Friday” is a new feature I’m planning on that Mutt where I feature people who work with dogs in different ways.

Today we have Colby Morita, the blogger from the site Puppy In Training. Colby has been raising and training service dog puppies since October 2006.

I had five questions for Colby:

That Mutt: What’s the worst puppy raising advice you’ve heard?

Colby Morita: Back in the 90s, several of my college roommates brought home puppies. I’m not sure what they were thinking because raising and training a puppy should not be taken lightly.

Unfortunately, they did not do much to get their puppies acclimated to their new home.

Back then I knew nothing about raising a puppy, but I took it upon myself to get these two little pups, affectionately known as Stinky and Pepper, used to their new lives. I was able to teach them some basic obedience like “sit” and “down,” but potty training them was a beast!

Looking back, I know why potty training was so difficult. I was advised to rub our puppys’ noses in their accidents. Needless to say, this archaic method of training never worked for either Stinky or Pepper. This advice has sat with me for so long I even included it as advice to avoid when potty training your puppy.

TM: What’s something you do frequently that other people think is crazy?

Colby: most people think raising a puppy for 18 months then giving him away is crazy.

In fact, anytime I try to recruit new puppy raisers the #1 reason they say they would not puppy raise is because they think giving the puppy back would be too difficult.

Yes, I admit it’s difficult to give a puppy back, but watching the puppy you raised give someone back their independence is life changing:

– watching Dublin swiftly navigate through a crowd with his blind partner.

– Seeing Archer’s 4-year-old partner with a TBI who was considered non-verbal call him by name and give commands “sit,” “down,” and “stay.”

– Observing the bond between Apache and his partner suffering from PTSD.

Experiencing these moments and watching the puppy you raised change a person’s life is priceless. 

TM: Do your dogs sleep in your bed?

Colby: I allow my personal dogs to sleep in the bed, but not until they have learned the rules of the house.

Basically, my personal dogs are not allowed on the bed until they are potty trained, crate trained and understand basic obedience.

Puppies In training sleep in the crate beside my bed. I basically have two crates on both sides of my bed that act as my night stands. We actually tackled this question in detail on the blog.

TM: What’s one of your top puppy-raising tips?

Colby: two of the most important things you need to practice when raising a puppy are patience and consistency.

Be patient. Puppies don’t get trained overnight. It can take weeks, months, years, to accomplish your training goals.

Guide dog puppies aren’t fully trained until they are about 2 to 2 1/2 years old. Be consistent, stick to routines. Your puppy will learn new behaviors, good and bad, much quicker if you’re consistent and stick to routines.

TM: Is there anything you want to say to That Mutt’s readers?

Colby: In the near future we plan on starting our own Puppy In Training Puppy Raiser Program to help individuals with disabilities regain their independence.

If any That Mutt readers are interested in raising a service dog puppy, please let me know by leaving a comment below or send us a message through the contact form on the Puppy In training blog.

Thank you, Colby!
If anyone has any questions about raising or training a service dog puppy, leave them in the comments!

For more from Puppy in Training:

Blog: PuppyInTraining.com

Facebook: PuppyInTraining

Instagram: PuppyInTraining

YouTube: PuppyInTraining

If you would like to be featured in a future “5 question Friday” interview, please email Lindsay@ThatMutt.com.

Related posts:

“5 question Friday” with Kimberly, a raw dog food blogger

How to be a guide dog puppy raiser

Can Dogs eat Raw Pork?

due to hysteria, some people are terrified to feed their dogs raw pork or any raw meat at all.

My pet dog Remy eats a diet of mostly raw chicken, but to add variety I also feed him raw pork, turkey and beef.

Pork is less expensive than lots of other meats so it’s a great option to keep in his rotation of raw pet dog food recipes.

The following are some common questions pet dog owners ask about raw pork.

Does raw pork carry a parasite that will kill dogs?

No. Not if you’re feeding your pet dog commercial raw pork from a grocery store or credible raw pet dog food company.

I would personally avoid feeding a pet dog wild pork/boar, however.

This is because wild boars may carry a parasite called Trichinella spiralisis which was once a lot more common in pork. The parasite causes the disease trichinosis.

“Many people associate pork with trichinosis,” wrote Dr. Laura Duclos for the raw pet dog food company Nature’s Variety, which uses raw pork in some of its products.

Trichinella in commercial pork products is virtually zero, she wrote. Human cases of trichinosis are rare, with less than 12 cases per year. a lot of of these cases occurred when people ate undercooked wild animals such as boar, bear or mountain lion.

For this reason, I suggest you avoid feeding your pet dog any wild boar unless it is cooked.

*Get our three complimentary raw pet dog food recipes now! Click here

The reason pork obtained a bad track record was because in the early 20th century, pigs in the united states were fed garbage consisting of scraps of pork from slaughter houses, wrote Duclos.

This garbage also attracted rats, which the pigs also ate, wrote Duclos. Rats were the primary animals that spread infections to the pigs. considering that then, the government has banned pig farms from feeding raw meat and garbage to pigs.

Just to be on the safe side, I always freeze raw pork for two weeks before feeding it to my pet dog as part of his raw pet dog food diet.

Freezing the meat will kill any trichinella parasites, according to Dr. Karen Becker on the web site HealthyPets.Mercola.com. She says to freeze all pork for three weeks, but I typically only freeze it for two.

There is generally no chance of U.S. supermarket pork consisting of parasites. Plus, a lot of pork is frozen before it’s sold, anyway. I’m just a worrier, so I freeze it again to be on the safe side.

Raw feeding is a work in progress and we all do the best we can.

Will my pet dog get sick from raw pork?

Most likely not. Dogs can eat raw pork.

A pet dog could get sick from eating raw meat of any kind, but the chances are low. A pet dog could also get sick from eating dry pet dog food. As long as your pet dog is healthy and the raw meat is fresh and introduced slowly, he must be fine. There are small risks to feeding a raw food diet for dogs, but I believe the benefits outweigh those risks for a lot of dogs.

I can’t believe how lots of searches my site gets for questions like “Can dogs eat raw meat?” Are we forgetting that dogs and cats are created for eating meat?

If you would like a lot more info on feeding your pet dog raw, I’ve written an ebook to help. The cost is $9 and it discusses everything you need to know about raw feeding.

ORDER NOW

Can dogs have raw pork bones?

You must never feed cooked bones of any kind to a dog, because cooked bones become hard and sharp.

As for raw pork bones, it’s all about knowing your particular dog.

Yes, it is possible for a pet dog to attempt swallowing a piece of bone that is too large, and this could be a choking hazard. because of this, I do not feed my pet dog raw pork bones. Your pet dog may be different, which is why it’s crucial to supervise your pet dog whenever he is eating bones of any kind.

Will pork bones break my dog’s teeth?

They could. Again, it’s about knowing your particular dog.

I do not feed my pet dog pork bones because I do worry about him breaking his teeth. The only bones I feed him are raw chicken and turkey bones. considering that chicken and turkey bones are softer, he has no trouble digesting them, even if he swallows large pieces.

Why can’t I just feed my pet dog cooked pork?

You certainly can, but never feed cooked bones.

Although raw meat is normally a lot more nutritious for dogs than cooked meat, cooking the food is the next best thing.

How about you? Do you feed your pet dog pork?

Let us know in the comments below!

*Get our three complimentary raw pet dog food recipes now! Click here

Related articles:

Raw chicken necks for dogs

Will dogs get sick from raw meat?

Lindsay Stordahl is the founder of That Mutt. She writes about pet dog training, pet dog exercise and feeding a healthy raw diet.

Dog Bike Leash

*Note: My mutt Ace and I evaluated the WalkyDog canine bike leash from The canine Outdoors. The company sent us the leash at no cost in exchange for a review.

This canine bike leash is great for the best human and canine pair, especially if you have an active canine that can’t seem to get enough exercise.

When I say “hands totally free bike leash” or “bike leash for dogs,” I am referring to the WalkyDog bike leash. I have not evaluated other brands of bike leashes such as the Springer bike leash or the K-9 Bike Jogger.

The WalkyDog is a bike leash developed so people can keep both hands on the bike without holding or tying the leash. One side of the WalkyDog bike leash attaches to the bar below the bike’s seat. The other side clips to the dog’s collar, holding the canine securely and safely in place.

The WalkyDog bike leash has a quick release ability so in an emergency or if I want to walk Ace, I can rapidly detach the leash section from my bike without unscrewing the entire tool. This also came in useful when I first installed the bike leash attachment. I did not have to attach Ace to the bike until seconds before I was ready to ride.

Biking with your dog

Taking your canine biking is a great way to have fun and get some exercise, but it is harmful if the canine is not under control. A hands totally free bike leash makes sure the human is the leader, not the dog.

Even if you already bike with your dog, it will take some time to get used to the canine biking leash. Don’t rush it.

Ace and I have been biking together for two years, but I went back to the basics with him the first time I tried the WalkyDog. I kept him on the left side of the bike while I wheeled it between us. You can set up the bike attachment so your canine is on the best or left. once on the bike, I made sure not to go too fast at first.

Who ought to use a hands totally free canine bike leash?

Dogs with good leash manners

The WalkyDog is ideal for dogs that have good leash manners and respect for a loose leash. because the WalkyDog is a hands totally free leash, the human can’t appropriate the canine with leash pops. There are other ways to communicate with the canine while biking such as verbally or simply stopping whenever the canine pulls.

People who bike in heavy traffic or in the wilderness

The WalkyDog bike leash is good for people who want to do some major biking with their dogs out on trails or through traffic. These are times when having both hands on the bars is very essential for safety reasons.

Athletic, shorthaired dogs

The WalkyDog bike leash is great for tall, active dogs. Let’s face it, even when we run with our dogs, we can’t always run for as long as they would like. Biking is a great way to make up for it. With a bike leash, you can go the speed your canine wants – fast!

Tall and fit shorthaired dogs will typically do the best with a bike leash, but I’m not out to dissuade anybody from using this product. any canine could potentially label along on bike rides. If you have a small or short dog, check out the low-rider attachment sold at The canine Outdoors.

I have the WalkyDog on hand to use with foster dogs, and I like having a hands totally free bike leash for my Fargo canine running clients that want to pick up the pace a bit.

People who need both hands on the bike

The bike leash is a good tool for people who are not comfortable biking with one hand. It’s also a good tool for someone who needs to focus on riding rather than controlling the dog. It takes time to be comfortable biking with a dog, and the WalkyDog bike leash is a good way to hold the canine in place while the rider focuses on not falling!

Someone biking with her canine for the first time

If you have never biked with your dog, then a hands totally free bike leash like the WalkyDog is a good way to start. It will help instruct your canine to remain at your side.

Who ought to not use a hands totally free canine bike leash?

Untrained dogs

It is not safe to use a hands totally free canine bike leash with dogs that do not know how to walk on a loose leash. It might be ok with a canine under 40 pounds or so, but a large canine is capable of causing the biker to loose control. If your canine has no leash manners, then practice some obedience and loose-leash walking before biking with him.

Bikers who want to give leash corrections

Since a bike leash like the WalkyDog is hands free, it is not possible to give the canine corrections when he pulls. As a result, the canine is able to pull and pull and pull. The WalkyDog bike leash is developed with springs and a bungee to decrease the force discovered by the biker, but this does not make up for the canine getting used to a tight leash.

Dogs that have already been trained to bike without a special leash

My mutt Ace is trained to walk nicely on a leash. because of this, a bike attachment is not required for us. I am kind of an old man and set in my ways, so it took me awhile to admit I like the WalkyDog. now that I have one, I use it practically every day! Whether you and your canine ought to use a bike leash is completely up to you.

Ace is used to walking with his head even more forward than the WalkyDog bike leash allows. because of this, it took us some time to get used to a bike leash. He had a tendency to pull while trying to get closer to my front tire where he typically runs. It took two or three biking sessions for him to realize if he stays back he will be much more comfortable. You can see us in the video below.

What collar is best while biking with my dog?

The type of collar your canine wears while biking is up to you. There is not one collar that will work best with every dog.

The canine Outdoors recommends a harness with the WalkyDog canine bike leash and sells one specifically developed for comfort and control while biking. I’m skeptical of harnesses because a harness makes pulling simpler for the dog. Pulling is the last thing I want to encourage.

A training collar such as a pinch collar will give you the most control over your dog, but a pinch collar can’t be used correctly when attached to a bike leash. The canine will likely keep the collar tight the whole time, defeating the purpose of a “training” collar.

Ace wore his regular nylon collar while attached to the WalkyDog. You’ll have to experiment and find what collar works best for you. A head collar like the gentle Leader did not work well because of Ace’s height in relation to the WalkyDog. This won’t be the case for all dogs.

Other hands totally free bike leashes

There are other hands totally free bike leashes out there such as the Springer canine bike leash and the K-9 Bike Jogger bike leash. These are different than the WalkyDog, and I have not evaluated them.

Bike leash or not, I am a big fan of biking with dogs. It is a great way to get in some much-needed exercise. If you are into outdoor recreation with your dog, make sure to check out the WalkyDog and other products from The canine Outdoors.

Don’t forget your helmet!

Do you bike with your dog? Do you use a hands totally free bike leash?

How much resource guarding should I allow from my dog?

most dogs guard something, whether it’s food, a rawhide or a bed.

But should we let them?

There are a lot of articles on my blog about resource guarding and possessiveness and how to stop this behavior in dogs.

But aren’t there some situations where resource guarding is reasonable?

I think it depends on the dog, his personality and his relationship to people and to other pets.

I came up with this topic thanks to your thoughtful comments on my post, should I correct my dog for growling?

We were all questioning what is and isn’t acceptable as far as “guarding” things like personal space when the dog is tired.

For example:

– Is it reasonable for an older dog to growl when he’s eating and another dog tries to take his food?

– Is it ok for a dog to growl when she’s trying to sleep and the cat tries to steal her bed?

– What if a person is petting the dog and another dog comes over for attention, causing the first dog to growl?

I don’t have the answers, but I’m curious how the rest of you would handle these situations. (I’d say the first two are reasonable, not the third.)

Resource guarding between my own pets

I have a dog and two cats, and they are constantly “fighting” over beds, attention and who gets to sit where.

Usually my cat Beamer “wins” by taking what he wants from the other two. He’s actually kind of an asshole, but his behavior is often subtle enough that my husband and I don’t notice.

And my other pets just go along with it.

But every now and then Ace the dog will stand up to Beamer the cat and growl.

And isn’t it justified?

Ace is not really being “possessive” in this scenario. He’s standing up for himself. (So maybe the question is how much bullying to allow from your pets? I don’t know.)

[quote_right]Ace is not really being “possessive” in this scenario. He’s standing up for himself.[/quote_right]I mean, let’s say you’re a dog and you’re trying to sleep on your own dog bed. and then this cat comes over and tries to take your bed even though there are two empty beds available.

Isn’t a growl reasonable? and if he persists, maybe even a snarl?

This scenario happens pretty often at our house, and I don’t know how to respond.

I mostly let my pets work it out, which of course is not a safe option if your pets might get into a real fight and harm one another.

My three have lived together for 8 years, and they pretty much know how to deal with one another.

Here’s how it usually goes down:

Where I draw the line – guarding items from humans

One thing is clear to me.

Dogs should not be allowed to guard food, toys or space from people.

I’m not saying it’s easy to break a dog’s possessiveness of food or anything else. It’s hard.

But I do think it should be a goal, and if the habit can’t be broken then it at least needs to be managed so no one gets hurt.

I’ve written several posts on stopping a dog’s possessiveness if anyone needs some ideas. They’re all located under one category here.

But now I want to hear from you.

How much resource guarding do you allow between your pets?

Leave a comment and let me know!

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